Mohamed Salah became the headline of MLS transfer chatter on July 10, 2026 when Sporting Kansas City was reported as the club most likely to land the Egyptian striker if he leaves Liverpool this summer. Sources said the 34‑year‑old is still weighing a move to Europe, but MLS interest has surged after Egypt’s World Cup exit.
Who is targeting Salah?
Sporting Kansas City, owned by Peter Mallouk – the son of Egyptian immigrants – has taken the lead among MLS suitors, according to insiders briefed by *The Athletic*. The club’s new majority owner wants to use the Salah deal to signal a new era of spending. Other MLS teams have shown interest, but Sporting’s early talks put them ahead in the race.
Why does the move matter now?
Salah announced in March that he will leave Liverpool after nine seasons, and his final year was marred by a strained relationship with former manager Arne Slot. The forward’s 2025‑26 Premier League tally – seven goals and seven assists in 2,150 minutes – fell short of his record‑breaking 2024‑25 season, where he scored 29 goals and added 18 assists. A move to MLS would be a dramatic shift from the European stage, especially as the Saudi Pro League also circles the player.
What else is Sporting KC doing?
The Kansas City side is not stopping at Salah. Reports indicate talks are advanced for Olympiacos winger Andre Luiz, a 24‑year‑old Brazilian who could fetch $18‑20 million, a fee that would rank among the league’s highest. A deal for Toulouse winger Yann Gboho, 25, is also on the table, though at a slightly lower price. Both moves aim to boost the club’s competitiveness for the second half of the MLS season.
How could the transfer shape Salah’s career?
If Salah chooses MLS, he would join a league still building its global profile. Sporting KC hopes his arrival would draw fans, sponsors, and media attention, echoing past MLS signings of high‑profile stars. For the forward, the move offers a chance to play a leading role in a growing market, while still keeping the door open for a later return to Europe or a lucrative Saudi contract.
What’s next for the negotiations?
Sources say discussions are ongoing, with no deadline set. Mallouk posted on X on July 10, promising “lots of conversations” and a “significantly better” team for the sprint season. Liverpool has not confirmed a transfer fee, but the club’s recent performance and Salah’s desire for a new challenge suggest a deal could materialise before the summer window closes.
How will fans react?
Liverpool supporters are divided. Some mourn the loss of a club legend; others understand the player’s wish for a fresh start after a disappointing final season. In Egypt, the reaction is equally mixed, with many hoping Salah remains in Europe to stay in the spotlight ahead of the next African Cup of Nations.
What does this mean for MLS?
A high‑profile signing like Salah would mark a milestone for the league’s ambition to attract top talent outside North America. Sporting KC’s aggressive approach signals that MLS clubs are ready to spend big, potentially reshaping the league’s transfer landscape for years to come.